Trampolines

ABSTRACT

A trampoline including: a frame adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality of spaced apart legs; a plurality of spaced apart biasing means operatively connected to said frame against undesired relative movement therebetween and extending upwards therefrom; a plurality of spaced apart upper connecting members connected to said biasing means and depending therefrom; a jumping mat operatively connected about its perimeter to said upper connecting members at or towards their lower ends; and a plurality of lower connecting members operatively connected to said frame below said mat at or towards one end and to said mat at or adjacent its perimeter at the other end.

This invention relates to trampolines. The invention has particularapplication to recreational trampolines but it may have application tosporting trampolines as well.

For many years recreational trampolines have typically included atubular steel frame which is supported on spaced apart legs with aflexible jumping mat secured to the frame by a large number of spacedapart extension springs which extend and contract as a person jumps onthe mat in order to give “bounce”. The springs are usually connected tothe tubular steel frame at one end via radial slots provided therein andto the mat via hooks or the like at the other end. Although trampolinescan be made in many shapes, circular is probably the most popular inwhich case the frame is generally constructed of arcuate segments ofround tube which are joined together in a spigot and socket arrangementwith the end portion of one segment sliding into the end portion of theadjacent segment.

It will be appreciated that the space between the jumping mat and theframe creates some difficulties for users in getting onto the mat andwhen jumping on the mat the springs and the spaces therebetween canpresent some danger for anyone jumping too close to the edge of the mat.Consequently, modern playground trampolines typically include a paddedsafety barrier (or “padding”) extending about the mat and covering thesprings and the spaces therebetween. The padding is typically tied tothe mat and/or the frame by ribbon ties or the like. Such trampolinestypically include a safety barrier (or “net”) extending about the matframe and attached to posts upstanding therefrom to prevent users fromfalling off the trampoline.

Other forms of trampolines known as “soft edged trampolines” which donot require a frame about the edge of the jumping mat and do not useextension springs to support the mat have been developed in recentyears. In such trampolines, the mat is typically supported on a largenumber of circumferentially spaced fibreglass rods which extend upwards,outwards and forwards around the periphery of the mat from a frame underthe mat and are connected to the edge of the mat at their upper ends.The rods are flexible and resilient so as to bend downwards and inwardsas a person's weight comes onto the mat during jumping and to return tothe original position as the weight comes off the mat causing a back andforth twisting motion of the mat. Such twisting action gives a differentperformance feel to users from the traditional extension coil springtype trampolines.

Other trampolines have been developed recently which utilise leafsprings extending upwards and inwards from a frame resting on the groundwhere they connect to the jumping mat and hold it in tension. Examplesof such trampolines are described in International patent application NoPCT/AU2012/000651 (“the earlier PCT application”). Those trampolineshave been found to have very good performance characteristics.

The present invention is aimed at providing another type of trampolinewhich will have application in some circumstances and provide advantagesin some circumstances.

The invention is also aimed at providing a trampoline which can beefficiently manufactured. The invention is also aimed at providing atrampoline which gives a more traditional feel to users than some softedge trampolines.

With the foregoing in view, the invention resides broadly in atrampoline including:

a frame adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality ofspaced apart legs;

a plurality of spaced apart biasing means operatively connected to saidframe against undesired relative movement therebetween;

a plurality of spaced apart upper connecting members connected to saidbiasing means respectively and depending therefrom;

a jumping mat operatively connected about its perimeter to said upperconnecting members at or towards their lower ends; and

a plurality of lower connecting members operatively connected to saidframe at or towards one end and to said mat at or adjacent its perimeterat the other end;

the parts being so made and arranged that said mat is suspended fromsaid biasing means by said upper connecting members which pull on atleast one of said biasing means upon a person's weight being applied tosaid mat (for example by standing or jumping on said mat) and saidbiasing means pull on said upper connecting members upon the person'sweight being lifted from said mat against said lower connecting membersto thereby keep the mat taut.

In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a trampolineincluding:

a frame adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality ofspaced apart legs;

a plurality of spaced apart biasing means operatively connected to saidframe against undesired relative movement therebetween and extendingupwards therefrom;

a plurality of spaced apart upper connecting members connected to saidbiasing means and depending therefrom;

a jumping mat operatively connected about its perimeter to said upperconnecting members at or towards their lower ends; and

a plurality of lower connecting members operatively connected to saidframe below said mat at or towards one end and to said mat at oradjacent its perimeter at the other end.

In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a trampolineincluding:

a frame adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality ofspaced apart legs;

a plurality of spaced apart biasing means operatively connected to saidframe against relative movement therebetween;

a plurality of spaced apart upper connecting members connected to saidbiasing means respectively and depending therefrom;

a jumping mat operatively connected about its perimeter to said upperconnecting members at or towards their lower ends; and

a plurality of lower connecting members operatively connected to saidframe at or towards one end and to said mat at or adjacent its perimeterat the other end;

the parts being so made and arranged that said upper and lowerconnecting members together with said biasing means keep the mat tautand said biasing means pull on at least one of said biasing means upon aperson's weight being applied to said mat (for example by standing orjumping on said mat) and said biasing means pull on said upperconnecting members against said lower connecting members upon theperson's weight being lifted from said mat.

It will be appreciated that the upper and lower connecting members couldbe flexible members such as cables and could be one cable with asuitable connector secured thereto for connection to the mat whereby thecable acts as two cables, one performing the function of the upperconnecting member and one performing the function of the lowerconnecting member. In this specification such an arrangement is taken tobe two connecting members.

In one aspect of the invention the biasing means are flexible andresilient elongate members which extend upwards from the frame and areeach adapted to bend along a longitudinal bending axis. In preferredforms, such members are poles or posts constructed of fibreglass,kevlar, carbon fibre or a mixture of those materials. However, variousother materials such as spring steel could also be used if desired andthe posts or poles could be solid or hollow depending on the particularcharacteristics required and could be of circular, ovaloid, ellipticalor rectangular cross section or any other suitable cross section.However, in some applications the frame includes upwardly extending nonflexible elongate members of the same general shape to which flexibleand resilient members are fitted. In such case, further non flexiblemembers may be fitted to the upper end of the flexible and resilientmembers to provide a higher connection point for the upper connectingmembers.

Thus, in one such aspect, the invention resides broadly in a trampolineincluding:

a frame adapted to rest on the ground or be mounted on a plurality ofspaced apart legs;

a plurality of spaced apart flexible and resilient biasing members suchas poles operatively connected to said frame against undesired relativemovement therebetween and extending upwards therefrom;

a plurality of spaced apart upper connecting members operativelyconnected to said flexible and resilient biasing members at or towardstheir upper ends respectively and depending therefrom;

a jumping mat operatively connected to said upper connecting members ator towards their lower ends about its perimeter; and

a plurality of lower connecting members operatively connected to saidframe at or towards one end and to said mat at or adjacent its perimeterat the other end;

the parts being so made and arranged that said upper and lowerconnecting members together with said flexible and resilient biasingmembers keep the mat taut and said biasing members pull on at least oneof said upper connecting members upon a person's weight being applied tosaid mat (for example by standing or jumping on said mat) and saidbiasing members pull on said upper connecting members against said lowerconnecting members upon the person's weight being lifted from said mat.

In one such preferred form of the invention, the upper connectingmembers are round poles, that is, poles of circular cross section whichallow limited sidewards bending but in another form, poles ofrectangular cross section such as leaf springs are used to achieveparticular performance characteristics and are selected so as to bendgenerally inwards towards the mat and outwards away from the mat withoutany significant sideways bending. In the case of a circular mat, theleaf springs would only bend radially inwards and outwards, while in thecase of a square mat the leaf springs would bend directly towards theopposite side of the mat. In one such form each leaf spring compriseslaminated elongate layers of spring steel over a substantial portion ofits length while in another form, the leaf springs are single leaveshaving a decreasing spring constant along its length, for example byhaving a decreasing thickness, a decreasing width or both thickness andwidth or by being formed of a composite material selected to give avarying spring constant.

In a preferred form where the biasing means are flexible and resilientpoles, it is also preferred that the poles extend upwards from a part ofthe frame below the mat. Advantageously, such arrangement allows forrelatively inexpensive longer poles to be used while still providinggood performance characteristics. The arrangement also allows the frameto be wholly below the mat.

In another form, the frame includes a plurality of spaced apart elongatemembers or posts which extend upwards from below the mat and the biasingmembers are connected to such members at or near their upper ends formovement relative thereto. In one such form, the biasing members areleaf springs which extend upwards from the elongate frame members orposts and curve inwards when the upper and lower connecting members arefitted. In one particularly preferred form, the leaf springs aresubstantially straight until tension is applied by the upper and lowerconnecting members and such tension causes them to curve inwards anddownwards towards the mat.

Preferably, the lower connecting members are connected at their upperends to the upper connecting members by a hook or loop or similarfastening means and to the mat via another hook.

Preferably, each of said upper connecting members includes at least oneline member such as a wire or cable which is connected at its oppositeends to the biasing means and the mat respectively. In one suchpreferred form, each line member is enshrouded by a cushioning materialfor added protection of users. In a preferred form, two upper connectingmembers depend from each of the biasing means, one on each side thereof.In one such form, the two upper connecting members are constituted by asingle line member passing through a connector or mount towards theupper end of the biasing means with the two runs of the line memberdiverging from the biasing means so as to connect to the edge of the matat spaced apart positions, one being a predetermined distance in aclockwise direction (for any shaped mat) from a vertical line throughthe biasing means and the other being spaced therefrom in ananti-clockwise direction.

In one such preferred form, the two upper connecting members areconnected to the biasing means by a connector assembly which includes amount adapted to be fitted to the biasing means and a complementaryconnector adapted to be connected to the upper connecting member and tobe releasably connected to the mount with the single line member beingsupported by a carrier portion of the connector. In such form, it ispreferred that the connector be arranged to lock to the mount and besecured thereto by the tension in the upper connecting members. In onesuch preferred form where the biasing means is a flexible and resilientpole, the mount is a sleeve arranged to be slidably mounted on the poleat or near its upper end and to be secured thereto by a screw or thelike or a cap or part cap adapted to engage the upper end of the poleand to have connection means for connecting the complementary connectorthereto. In such form, it is preferred that the complementary connectorbe a hook shaped such that its opposite end portions can be located intwo spaced apart openings provided in the mount, by way of a movement inwhich one end portion is fitted in one opening and then the second endportion is located in the other opening by way of an orbiting movement.

It is also preferred that the trampoline include a safety net attachedto the mat at or adjacent its periphery and extending upwards towardsthe upper end of the biasing means. In one form of the invention, thesafety net connects to the biasing means at or near their upper endswhile in another form of the invention it connects to the upperconnecting members towards their upper ends. In one such preferred form,the upper end of the safety net is connected to a stabilising ringconstructed of fibreglass or other suitable material which in turn isflexibly and resiliently connected to the biasing means or the upperconnecting members, for example, by elastic ties or rubber bandsselected to allow flexing when the upper connecting members bend. Instill another form, the safety net is connected to independent rigidpoles outside the biasing means by flexible and resilient bands or thelike. In one form of the invention where the upper connecting membersare connected to the biasing means by a connector assembly as previouslydescribed, it is preferred that the complementary connector includelocating means for locating a strap or the like therein for securing thesafety net thereto.

It is also preferred that the upper connecting members extend from thebiasing means to the mat on the outside of the safety net therebyallowing the safety net to protect users from the upper connectingmembers. In one form of the invention, the upper connecting members passthrough loops extending from the net at various places. However, in apreferred form where the upper connecting members are cables, they passthrough full length sleeves on the outside of the safety net so that thenet is held in place by the upper connecting members and the sleevesprotect the cables and the trampoline users from the cables and the netis made such that the cables keep the net taut in its non-usedisposition. In such form of the invention, trampoline users can reboundoff the net using the tension in the cables to give momentum urging themback towards the centre of the mat.

Preferably, the lower connecting members include at least one linemember. In a particularly preferred form non-stretch line members suchas stainless steel cables have been found to give very good performancecharacteristics when used in conjunction with upper connecting membersof the same or similar cables. However, in other forms, each lowerconnecting member includes a flexible and resilient band or strap.

In one preferred form, the trampoline includes one lower connectingmember for each upper connecting member. In such form it is preferredthat the upper and lower connecting members connect to the mat atsubstantially the same point. While one upper connecting member may beprovided for each biasing means, it is believed that two upperconnecting members give better performance characteristics and alsoprovide for better access to the mat. In a much preferred form where theupper and lower connecting members are line members, each upper andlower connecting member together constitute effectively a continuousline member with an intermediate connection point for connecting themjointly to the mat with every aligned upper and lower connecting membersconstituting a set.

In a preferred form, the mat is connected to each set of upper and lowerconnecting members by connectors, each of which are releasably securedto the mat via two spaced apart strapping loops stitched thereto withboth the upper and lower connecting members being connected to themid-point of the connector. However, in another form a stabilising ringextends about the jumping mat and is connected thereto via similarstrapping loops and in turn the stabilising ring is connected to theupper connecting members and the lower connecting members. In such form,it is preferred that the mat be connected to the ring by load bearingfittings mounted in pockets formed in the mat adjacent its periphery.However, in still yet another form, the mat can be connected directly tothe upper connecting members by the load bearing fittings previouslymentioned.

In one preferred form, the frame comprises two vertically spaced aparthorizontal tubular frame members (preferably steel tubes) extendingaround the mat with spaced apart posts or similar members (preferablysteel tubes) connected thereto with the upper horizontal member beingsubstantially within the ring of posts and engaging each post and thelower tube being substantially without the ring of posts and engagingeach post.

In one such form of the invention where the biasing means are longflexible and resilient poles, it is preferred that the lower endportions of the poles are slidably mounted in the hollows of the poststhereby being held securely therein. In one such form, it is preferredthat the posts lean outwards away from the mat so that the poles can bestraight (when not tensioned) and have their upper ends sufficientlyoutside the mat to allow the upper and lower connecting members to betensioned to a predetermined desirable tension.

It is also preferred that the frame comprise a plurality ofinterconnected segments suitably sized for transport of the frame andthe other components of the trampoline in knock-down form.Advantageously, such segments are connected in a manner so as to preventrelative rotational or pivoting movement therebetween. In that respect,it is preferred that the frame segments include keying means for keyingthem together against relative rotational movement.

In a preferred form where the frame comprises two vertically spacedapart horizontal members, it is preferred that both the upper and lowermembers comprise a plurality of interconnected segments as previouslydescribed. However, it is also preferred that the segments of the lowermember and the segments of the upper member be releasably connected foreasy erection as will be described in more detail later.

In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a frame for atrampoline having a jumping mat, the frame including;

a plurality of first tubular segments adapted to be connected togetherend to end to form a first ring adapted to extend about the jumping mat;

a plurality of second tubular segments adapted to be connected togetherend to end to form a second ring adapted to extend about the jumping matabove the first ring;

a plurality of post members adapted to be arranged in spaced apartrelationship around said first and second rings and to be connectedthereto, at least some of said first tubular segments including aconnector for said post members and at least some of said second tubularsegments including a connector for said post members;

the connectors of said first and second tubular segments being alignedto allow the posts to extend upwards from said first and second rings ata predetermined angle and said posts and said connectors havingcomplementary securing means for securing them together.

In such form of the invention it is preferred that the trampolineinclude biasing means as described earlier connected to said postmembers as well as upper and lower connecting members as describedearlier. It is also preferred that in such form the lower connectingmembers be connected directly to the first or lower ring but it will beappreciated that different performance characteristics may be achievedby connecting the lower connecting members to the upper ring rather thanthe lower ring. However, while the lower connecting members must beoperatively connectyed to the frame it is possible in some circumstancesfor them to be connected to the biasing means towards their lower ends.This may be advantageous where the biasing means are relatively stiffelongate members which extend upwards from a position below the mat andwhere there is little movement of the elongate members at that point.

In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a mat assembly for atrampoline, the assembly including:

a jumping mat having a plurality of spaced apart connection points aboutits periphery;

a plurality of spaced apart upper connecting members connected at oneend to said mat at the respective connection points and adapted toextend upwards therefrom in use to connect to selected predeterminedbiasing means;

a plurality of spaced apart lower connecting members connected to saidmat at one end at the respective connection points and adapted to extenddownwards therefrom in use to connect to a selected frame member;

a safety net having an upper end, and a lower end connected to said matabout its periphery, said safety net being adapted to extend upwardsfrom said mat in use and said net including spaced apart sleevesextending upwards from or near said lower end towards said upper end,and said spaced apart upper connecting members being locatedsubstantially within said sleeves, said assembly being made and arrangedto be packaged in roll up form or fold over form for efficienttransport. Preferably, said mat assembly includes releasable connectorsand mounts for connecting the upper connecting members to predeterminedbiasing means as previously described.

In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a mat assemblyincluding a jumping mat and a safety net, the jumping mat having aplurality of spaced apart connection points about its periphery and thesafety net being connected to the jumping mat about its periphery butinside said plurality of connection points. In such form, it ispreferred that the safety net be stitched to the mat wherein the mat andthe safety net can be supplied as a unit.

In yet another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a trampolineassembly including:

a plurality of flexible and resilient poles adapted to be mounted incomplementary holes in a foundation or a frame and to stand up therefromin spaced apart relationship against relative sideways movement relativeto said foundation;

a plurality of spaced apart upper connecting members adapted to beoperatively connected to said flexible and resilient poles at or towardstheir upper ends respectively to depend therefrom;

a jumping mat adapted to be operatively connected to said upperconnecting members at or towards their lower ends about its perimeter;and

a plurality of lower connecting members adapted to be operativelyconnected to said plurality of poles respectively at or towards one endand to said mat at or adjacent its perimeter at the other end;

the parts being so made and arranged that in use said upper and lowerconnecting members together with said flexible and resilient poles keepthe mat taut and said poles pull on at least one of said upperconnecting members upon a person's weight being applied to said mat (forexample by standing or jumping on said mat) and said poles pull on saidupper connecting members against said lower connecting members upon theperson's weight being lifted from said mat.

In yet another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a trampolineincluding:

a plurality of flexible and resilient poles mounted in complementaryholes in a foundation or a frame and standing up therefrom in spacedapart relationship against relative sideways movement relative thereto;

a plurality of spaced apart upper connecting members be operativelyconnected to said flexible and resilient poles at or towards their upperends respectively and depending therefrom;

a jumping mat operatively connected to said upper connecting members ator towards their lower ends about its perimeter; and

a plurality of lower connecting members operatively connected at one endto said poles towards their lower ends respectively and to said mat ator adjacent its perimeter at the other end;

the parts being so made and arranged that in use said upper and lowerconnecting members together with said flexible and resilient poles keepthe mat taut and said poles pull on at least one of said upperconnecting members upon a person's weight being applied to said mat (forexample by standing or jumping on said mat) and said poles pull on saidupper connecting members against said lower connecting members upon theperson's weight being lifted from said mat.

In still yet another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a kit ofparts for a trampoline including:

a plurality of posts or poles adapted to be mounted in complementaryholes in a foundation or a frame and to stand up therefrom in spacedapart relationship against relative sideways movement relative to saidfoundation;

a plurality of biasing means adapted to be mounted to the upper ends ofsaid posts or poles against undesired movement relative thereto;

a plurality of spaced apart upper connecting members adapted to beoperatively connected to said flexible and resilient poles at or towardstheir upper ends respectively so as to depend therefrom when said polesare standing up;

a jumping mat adapted to be operatively connected to said upperconnecting members at or towards their lower ends about its perimeter;and

a plurality of lower connecting members adapted to be operativelyconnected to said plurality of posts or poles respectively at or towardsone end and to said mat at or adjacent its perimeter at the other end;

the parts being so made and arranged that in use said upper and lowerconnecting members together with said biasing means will keep the mattaut and said biasing means will pull on at least one of said upperconnecting members upon a person's weight being applied to said mat (forexample by standing or jumping on said mat) and said biasing means willpull on said upper connecting members against said lower connectingmembers upon the person's weight being lifted from said mat.

In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a trampolineincluding:

a frame including a plurality of upstanding frame members defining aspace therebetween;

a jumping mat suspended in said space by a plurality of upper connectingmembers depending or hanging from said plurality of upstanding framemembers and held down by a plurality of lower connecting members, eachof said upstanding frame members including biasing means for biasingsaid upper connecting members upwards and outwards in said space.Preferably, the frame, the jumping mat, the upper and lower connectingmembers and the biasing means are constructed and arranged as previouslydescribed.

Terms such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, “upwards”, “downwards”, “above”,“below” and similar terms as used herein are for the purpose ofdescribing the invention in its normal in-use orientation and are notintended to limit the invention to any particular orientation.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put intopractice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a trampoline described andillustrated in the earlier PCT application resting on a floor with asafety enclosure fitted;

FIG. 2 is pictorial representation of the trampoline of FIG. 1 with thesafety net and poles removed for clarity;

FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of the mat hook of the trampolineof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the mat hook shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation of the leaf spring components of thetrampoline shown in FIG. 1 with the mat hook attached;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the leaf spring component shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a blown up view of the upper end of the leaf spring shown inFIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a pictorial representation of a trampoline according to thepresent invention resting on a floor without a safety enclosure fitted;

FIG. 9 is a pictorial representation of another trampoline according tothe invention resting on a floor without a safety enclosure fitted;

FIG. 10 is a pictorial representation of part of the trampoline of FIG.9;

FIG. 11 is a close up view of a portion of the periphery of thetrampoline of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a close up view of the upper end portion of one of the polesof the trampoline of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a close up view of part of the frame of the trampoline ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a pictorial representation of part of a connector assemblyfor use with a modified form of the trampoline of FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a pictorial representation of the hook component of theconnector assembly shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a pictorial representation of part of the mount component ofthe connector assembly shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a pictorial representation of the partly assembled connectorassembly of FIG. 14 showing the action of fitting the hook to the mount;

FIG. 18 is a pictorial representation of the hook component shown inFIG. 15 with a loop of the edge strapping fitted therein prior to thehook being fitted to the mount;

FIG. 19 is a pictorial representation of a connector for connecting thesteel cables forming the upper connecting members to the steel cablesforming the lower connecting members;

FIG. 20 is a pictorial representation of a segment of a safety net whichextends around the mat of the trampoline shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 21 is a pictorial representation of a partially assembledalternative demountable frame for the trampoline of FIG. 9;

FIG. 22 is an expanded view of part of the partially assembled frameshown in FIG. 21; and

FIG. 23 is an expanded view of part of a frame segment of the partiallyassembled alternative demountable frame shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a pictorial representation of another trampoline according tothe invention resting on a floor with a safety enclosure fitted;

FIG. 25 is another pictorial representation of the trampoline of FIG.25;

FIG. 26 is an expanded pictorial representation of an upper part of thetrampoline of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is an expanded pictorial representation of a lower part of thetrampoline of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is an expanded pictorial representation of another part of thetrampoline of FIG. 24;

FIG. 29 is an expanded pictorial representation of another part of thetrampoline of FIG. 24;

FIG. 30 is a pictorial representation of another trampoline according tothe invention resting on a floor with a safety enclosure fitted;

FIG. 31 is another pictorial representation of the trampoline of FIG.30;

FIG. 32 is an expanded pictorial representation of a lower part of thetrampoline of FIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is an expanded pictorial representation of an edge portion ofthe mat of the trampoline of FIG. 30 and a mat connector arrangementwhich could be used on a number of trampolines including thoseillustrated in FIGS. 35 to 39;

FIG. 34 is another expanded pictorial representation of the edge portionof the mat of the trampoline of FIG. 30 and a mat connector arrangementwhich could be used on a number of trampolines including thoseillustrated in FIGS. 35 to 39;

FIG. 35 is a pictorial representation of another trampoline according tothe invention resting on a floor with a safety enclosure fitted;

FIG. 36 is a schematic sectional elevation of the trampoline of FIG. 35resting on a floor;

FIG. 37 is an expanded pictorial representation of an upper part of thetrampoline of FIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a schematic sectional elevation of another trampolineaccording to the invention resting on a floor; and

FIG. 39 is a pictorial representation of another trampoline according tothe invention resting on a floor with a safety enclosure fitted.

The trampoline 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a circular bottom frame11 constructed of 65 mm round steel tube which is supported on eightshort angularly spaced legs 12 each of which is connected to the frameby opposed leg mounts 13. Suitably, a jumping mat 14 is operativelyconnected to the frame 11 via forty equally angularly spaced leafsprings 21 which extend upwardly and curve inwardly from the frame.

The leaf springs 21 fit into spaced apart slots 22 respectively whichare formed in the bottom frame 11 and run substantially parallel to thecurved longitudinal axis of the frame. The springs are secured thereinby virtue of a foot which engages the inner face of the tube. The mat 14is connected at its periphery to the leaf springs 21 adjacent theirupper ends by connector assemblies 31 as can be seen more clearly inFIGS. 3 and 4. Each connector assembly comprises a load bearingconnector block 32 and a hook 33. The connector blocks 32 are adapted toengage in circumferential pockets formed at the periphery of the mat ina manner suitable for carrying the tensile load of the stretched mat.The hook 33 is a twin ended loop hook with the loop 36 hooking to theconnector block and the free ends 37 both hooking to the leaf spring inside by side relation through two spaced apart holes 38 in the leafspring as can be seen more clearly in FIG. 7. The leaf springs areinitially straight but during assembly of the mat to the frame, they arepushed inwards at their upper ends to connect to the mat which resultsin the general curved shape.

A safety net 51 extends fully about the mat 14 as can be seen in FIG. 1and is secured to the mat at its lower edge 52 by circumferentiallyspaced “D” hooks which connect to the hooks 33 at the periphery of themat. The net is connected at its upper edge 56 to a circular ring 55 ofapproximately the same diameter as the bottom frame and is supported byspaced apart posts 54 via clamps 58.

The trampoline 110 according to the present invention which isillustrated in FIG. 8 includes a circular bottom frame 111 constructedof two vertically spaced apart 65 mm round steel tubes 111 a and 111 bconnected to each other by twenty angularly spaced posts 112 which actas legs for supporting tubes 111 a and 111 b and for providingrespective mounts for the upstanding flexible and resilient “poles” 121which are long multi-leave leaf springs similar to those shown in FIGS.5 to 7 and which function as the biasing means described earlier in thisspecification and also as safety net support poles doing a job similarto that done by poles 54 shown in FIG. 1. In the trampoline illustratedthe poles extend upwards and curve inwards but in other forms of theinvention they curve upwards and outwards.

Suitably, a jumping mat 114 is suspended from the poles 121 via twentystainless steel cables 160 which depend from (or hang) holes 161provided adjacent the upper ends 125 of the poles acting as upperconnecting members as previously described and which connect to matconnectors 131 which are similar to those shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Thejumping mat is also connected to the frame 111 by twenty equallyangularly spaced stainless steel cables 170 (some omitted for clarity)which extend upwards and inwards from the frame to the periphery of themat where they connect to the respective mat connectors 131 to act aslower connecting members as previously described. If desired, flexibleand resilient ties with relatively high spring constants could be usedinstead of cables 170 but they provide different performancecharacteristics.

The leaf spring poles 121 fit into the hollow posts 112 in thetrampoline shown but in other trampolines according to the inventionthey slide into spaced apart aligned slots formed in the upper and lowertubes 111 a and 111 b.

A safety net (not shown) extends fully about the mat 114 in much thesame manner as mat 51 shown in FIG. 1 and is secured to the mat at itslower edge in the same manner. Suitably, the cables 160 are locatedoutside the safety net and are generally spaced therefrom in thenon-operating position.

The trampoline 210 according to the present invention which isillustrated in FIG. 9 is the same as the one illustrated in FIG. 8 inmany respects and accordingly the same numbers will be used to referencecorresponding components as far as possible except prefaced by a “2”instead of a “1”.

In trampoline 210, it can be seen that the stainless steel cables 260which serve the function of the upper connecting members (whichsometimes may be referred to as second connecting members or secondsupport members) hang from an eye bolt 265 fixed to pole 221 near itsupper end as can be more clearly seen in FIG. 12 on both sides of eachpole with the opposite ends being connected to the mat on opposite sidesof the pole at spaced apart points 232 and 233.

As with trampoline 110, trampoline 210 includes a circular bottom frame211 constructed of two vertically spaced apart 65 mm round steel tubularrings 211 a and 211 b which are connected to each other by about fifteenangularly spaced posts 212 which act as legs for supporting tubes 211 aand 211 b and for providing respective mounts for the fifteen upstandingflexible and resilient “poles” 221 which are fibreglass rods of circularcross section.

The fibreglass poles allow limited sideways movement (in the directionof the periphery of the mat) due to them being of circular cross sectionand their ability to bend in any direction. The poles function asbiasing means as described earlier and also as safety net support polessimilar to poles 54 shown in FIG. 1. In the trampoline illustrated thepoles are straight before being fitted to the supporting tubes andextend upwards and are forced to curve inwards to connect the cables 260and which remain curved inwards under the mat tension which pulls theupper ends of the respective poles inwards with a downward component offorce.

The jumping mat 214 is suspended from the poles 254 via stainless steelcables which hang from the eye bolts previously mentioned and connect tomat connectors 231 which in this case are double ended steel rodsadapted to engage in adjacent pockets or sleeves of the mat with acentre eye section adapted to receive the cable therethrough or a hookon the cable if preferred. The lower connecting members in thistrampoline are also stainless steel cables which connect to the same matconnectors as cables 260 and which extend upwards and inwards from theframe to the periphery of the mat.

It will be seen that the posts 212 a are bolted to both the bottom framering 211 a and the top frame ring 211 b and engage the face of thebottom frame ring on the inside and the top frame ring on the outside,the top ring thereby bearing the inwardly directed load of the mattension while the bottom ring bears the outwardly directed reactionforce at the lower ends of the posts.

The connector assembly 370 illustrated in FIG. 14 can be used with atrampoline similar to that shown in FIG. 9 and includes a short lengthof hollow steel tube which forms a mount 371 adapted to slide onto theupper end portion of poles 221 for connecting the upper steel cables260. To that end, complementary hook 372 is releasably connected to themount 371 via recess 374 and opening 373. In that respect, it can beseen from FIGS. 14 to 17 that the hook can be connected to the mount byfirst resting the upper end portion 372 a in the recess 374 and thenpivoting the hook downwards to align the free end 372 b with the opening373 and then pushing the free end into the opening. Advantageously, themount can be easily fitted to the upper end portion of the pole andsecured thereto by a screw or alternatively, a partial cap can be weldedto about half the upper end opening 375 so as to engage with the upperend of the pole to prevent it sliding down the pole. It will beappreciated that the cables 260 pass through the trough portion 376 ofthe hook 372 for supporting the jumping mat and as can be seen in FIG.18, the upper end of the safety net 351 is connected to the hook bystraps 377 which also rest in the trough portion 376.

The stainless steel upper cables 360 which support the mat from thepoles 321 and the stainless steel lower cables 370 which hold the matdown to the frame are connected together by a cable connector 380 whichhas an eye therethrough adapted to receive a “D” hook 381 which issecured to the mat by spaced apart straps 382 and 383 as can be clearlyseen in FIG. 19.

Advantageously, the upper cables 360 pass through sleeves 386 providedin the safety net 351 so as to secure the safety net to the cables andto pad the cables to some extent for user comfort. Additionally thecables hold the net taut which assists in giving an amount of bouncebackto any user or player hitting the safety net.

The demountable frame 311 illustrated in FIG. 21 includes a bottom ring311 a and a top ring 311 b spaced thereabove which are held together inspaced apart relation by a plurality of angularly spaced apart posts301. The bottom ring and the top ring are each made up of interconnectedarcuate segments 362 which engage end to end in known manner.

As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 23, each arcuate segment of thebottom ring has two angularly spaced apart locating rings 302 weldedthereto and each segment of the top ring has two similar angularlyspaced locating rings welded thereto and aligned almost vertically withthe corresponding locating rings on the bottom ring. Advantageously, thebottom ring and the top ring have the same diameter but the locatingrings of the bottom ring are on the inside while those on the upper ringare on the outside which results in the posts leaning outwards.

The posts can be easily fitted to the locating rings by sliding theminto the rings with the lugs 304 a and 304 b aligned with the slots 306and when in the desired position rotating then post through ninetydegrees and then sliding the post upwards to lock the lugs 304 and 307into the recesses 305 and 308 respectively. Advantageously, it can beseen that in the assembled attitude, the weight of the rings and the matas well as that of the players thereon hold the rings in engagement withthe posts to secure the frame components together.

The trampoline 410 which is illustrated in FIG. 24 is the same as theones illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 in many respects and accordingly thesame numbers will be used to reference corresponding components as faras possible except prefaced by a “4” instead of a “1”.

The main difference between trampoline 410 and trampoline 210 is thatthe poles 421 which extend upwards from the posts 412 to act as biasingmeans each have a flexible and resilient lower portion 422 which engagesin the hollow of their respective posts 412 and a substantially rigidupper portion 423 constructed of steel tube to which the upperconnecting cables 460 are connected adjacent their upper ends 425. Thus,while the poles have the same general appearance as the poles 221, onlythe lower portion of each pole is flexible and resilient and applies thebiasing force to the upper connecting cable and thence to the mat. Itwill be appreciated that the arrangement of the poles with only thelower portion being constructed of a flexible and resilient materialprovides for lower manufacturing costs. In trampoline 410, the poles aregenerally ovaloid in horizontal cross section with the longitudinal axisof the cross section being generally parallel to the adjacent side ofthe mat or to a tangent to the adjacent side of the mat.

In trampoline 410, it can be seen that the stainless steel cables 460connect to the poles via a hole 466 through which the cable passes andis retained therein by a cable end stop which engages against the innerface of the hollow tube and the cable passes through a sleeve connectedto the safety net 451 in the manner previously described in relation totrampoline 210. Another difference is that the poles are located incomplementary sleeves 415 which are mounted on the outside of the lowerand upper frame rings 411 a and 411 b respectively. Another differenceis that the “D” connectors are different from those used on trampoline110 and 210 and includes an eye adapted for connection of the upper andlower connecting cables.

The trampoline 510 which is illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31 is the sameas the one illustrated in FIGS. 24 to 29 in many respects andaccordingly the same numbers will be used to reference correspondingcomponents as far as possible except prefaced by a “5” instead of a “4”.

One difference between the trampoline 410 and the trampoline 510 arethat trampoline 510 only has 10 biasing poles so there is a greaterangle and greater arc length between poles and another difference isthat the mat is connected to the biasing means and the frame by straps560 constructed of polymeric webbing material instead of steel cables.Advantageously such arrangement provides an opportunity for reducedmanufacturing costs. However, if improved performance characteristicsare required the mat may be supported at its periphery in the mannerillustrated in FIGS. 32 to 34. As can be seen in FIGS. 33 and 34, themat 514 is connected to the upper and lower connecting straps bydisconnected rings, an inner ring 581 and an outer ring 582, and eachring being made up of a plurality of horizontal fibreglass rods orsegments 583 and 584 respectively. The segments forming the innerdisconnected ring abut each other or have their ends close to each otherwhile the segments of the outer ring are spaced apart. Advantageously,the mat is connected to each inner segment by a plurality of webbingstraps 586 in a manner such that each fibreglass segment supports themat along an arc substantially equal to the length of the arc betweentwo upper connecting straps 560. The outer ring 582 is connected to theinner ring also by webbing straps 587 which are arranged along the innerring segments so as to support the whole segment and connect it to theupper and lower connecting straps.

As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 34, the upper and lower connectingstraps comprise one strap with an intermediate loop 588 which divides itinto an upper strap portion and a lower strap portion while the loop ispositioned to receive therethrough an outer fibreglass rod segment 584.

The trampoline 610 which is illustrated in FIGS. 35 to 37 is the same asthe one illustrated in FIGS. 24 to 29 in many respects and accordinglythe same numbers will be used to reference corresponding components asfar as possible except prefaced by a “6” instead of a “4”.

The main difference between the trampoline of FIG. 24 and that of FIG.35 is that in the trampoline of FIG. 35, the frame 611 includes a lowertubular ring 611 a and an upper tubular ring 611 b and a plurality ofspaced apart legs 612 connecting the two rings and which extend upwardsto a plane which is a substantial distance above the mat andapproximately at the same level as the top of the safety net 651.Effectively, the legs or posts 112, 212, 312 or 412 are extended upwardsas part of the frame and the biasing means are mounted to the upper endsof the posts respectively. Advantageously, such arrangement allows muchshorter flexible and resilient members to be used as the biasing meanspreviously described. If desired, the posts can be provided in one ormore segments and as can be seen in FIG. 36 they are provided in twointer-engaging segments 612 a and 612 b.

As can be seen in FIG. 35, the biasing means 621 are leaf springs whichare fitted to the upper ends of the posts 612 and extend inwards towardsthe centre of the mat 614. In the case of rectangular mats, the springswould extend inwards towards the opposite side of the mat.

In the trampoline 610 illustrated, the leaf springs comprise an upper orouter leaf 691 and a lower or inner leaf 692 and the lower ends of thetwo leaves are fitted into the hollow of the relevant post 612 while theupper ends together form a spring loaded clamp adapted to clamp theupper mat connecting strap therebetween as well as the upper edgeportion of the safety net. However, in other similar arrangements theupper connecting strap or cable as the case may be is connected via a“D” connector, a shackle, a hook or the like via a hole in one or bothof the leaves in a manner similar to that described earlier.

The upper end of each post has a plate 693 fitted therein diametrallywhile two spaced apart slots 694 a and 694 b are provided in the plate.Advantageously, the lower ends of the two leaves are formed in the shapeof a “C” channel and the lower end of one leaf is slidably fitted in oneslot and the lower end of the other leaf is slidably fitted in the otherslot thereby providing easy assembly and at the same time the edges ofthe “C” engage the inner face of the post spaced from the plate 693thereby distributing the reaction forces over a larger area of the post.

The trampoline 710 which is illustrated in FIG. 38 is the same as theone illustrated in FIGS. 35 to 37 in many respects and accordingly thesame numbers will be used to reference corresponding components as faras possible except prefaced by a “7” instead of a “6”.

The main difference between trampoline 710 and trampoline 610 is thatthe leaf springs 691 and 692 are replaced by a coil spring and a rigidarm with the coil spring being connected to the upper portion of thepost 712 and the arm 795 extending inwards from the coil spring toconnect to the upper connecting strap or cable 760.

The trampoline 810 illustrated in FIG. 39 is the same as the previouslydescribed trampolines in many respects so only a few of the differenceswill be described.

Trampoline 810 includes a safety net 851 which has a lower portion 851 awith small openings and an upper 851 b which has very large openings ina square grid pattern which provide a more open feel for persons jumpingon the mat. Further, the double mat arrangement provided by upper mat814 and lower mat 816 (which are both centred on the same vertical axis)provides different performance characteristics. In that respect, bothmats are connected to the upper and lower connecting cables 860 and 870at spaced apart points 865 and 875 at adjacent points of theirperipheries. Consequently it will be appreciated that the portion ofeach cable between the two mats acts as part of the upper connectingmember for the bottom mat and as part of the lower connecting member forthe top mat. It will also be appreciated that double mats may provideadditional safety for persons jumping on the trampoline.

The foregoing description has been given by way of illustrative exampleof the invention and many modifications and variations which will beapparent to persons skilled in the art may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

1-2. (canceled)
 3. A trampoline including: a frame adapted to rest onthe ground or be mounted on a plurality of spaced apart legs; aplurality of spaced apart biasing means operatively connected to saidframe against undesired relative movement therebetween and extendingupwards therefrom; a plurality of spaced apart upper connecting membersconnected to said biasing means and depending therefrom; a jumping matoperatively connected about its perimeter to said upper connectingmembers at or towards their lower ends; and a plurality of lowerconnecting members operatively connected to said frame below said mat ator towards one end and to said mat at or adjacent its perimeter at theother end.
 4. A trampoline according to claim 3, wherein said biasingmeans include flexible and resilient elongate members which extendupwards from said frame and are adapted to bend elastically along alongitudinal bending axis.
 5. A trampoline according to claim 4, whereinsaid elongate members are long poles.
 6. A trampoline according to claim3, wherein at least a portion of each of said poles is constructed of aflexible and resilient material.
 7. A trampoline according to claim 7wherein said flexible and resilient material is fibreglass, kevlar,carbon fibre or a mixture including at least one of those materials. 8.A trampoline according to claim 4, wherein said poles extend upwardsfrom a part of the frame below said mat.
 9. A trampoline according toclaim 5, wherein said frame includes a plurality of spaced apart postsand said poles are connected to said posts at their lower ends.
 10. Atrampoline according to claim 9, wherein said posts extend above saidmat and said poles extend upwards from said posts.
 11. A trampolineaccording to claim 3, wherein said biasing means include leaf springs.12. A trampoline according to claim 11, wherein the spring constant ofsaid leaf springs varies over their length.
 13. A trampoline accordingto claim 12, wherein said leaf springs include layers of leaves over atleast a portion of their length.
 14. A trampoline according to claim 11,wherein said frame includes a plurality of spaced apart posts or poleswhich extend above said mat and said leaf springs are connected to saidposts at or near their upper ends for movement relative thereto.
 15. Atrampoline according to claim 14, wherein said leaf springs extendgenerally upwards from said posts and curve inwards when the upper andlower connecting members are fitted.
 16. A trampoline according to claim15, wherein said leaf springs are substantially straight until tensionis applied by the upper and lower connecting members and the tensioncauses the leaf springs to curve inwards and downwards towards the mat.17. A trampoline according to claim 3, wherein said lower connectingmembers are connected at their upper ends to the upper connectingmembers by a hook or loop or similar fastening means and to the mat viathe same hook, loop or fastening means.
 18. A trampoline according toclaim 3, wherein each of said upper connecting members include at leastone line member constructed of a non-stretch material such as stainlesssteel.
 19. A trampoline according to claim 18, wherein each line memberis enshrouded by a protective material and/or a cushioning material. 20.A trampoline according to claim 3, wherein two upper connecting membersdepend from each of said biasing means.
 21. A trampoline according toclaim 20, wherein said two upper connecting members are constituted by asingle line member with two runs depending from said biasing means whichdiverge downwards and connect to the edge of the mat at spaced apartpositions.
 22. A trampoline according to claim 21, wherein one of saidspaced apart positions is a predetermined distance in a horizontalclockwise direction from said biasing means and the other is spaced fromsaid one position by twice said predetermined distance in ananti-clockwise direction.
 23. A trampoline according to claim 3, whereineach of said lower connecting members include at least one line member.24. A trampoline according to claim 23, wherein said at least one linemember is a wire or cable constructed of a non-stretch material such asstainless steel.
 25. A trampoline according to claim 24, including onelower connecting member for each upper connecting member.
 26. Atrampoline according to claim 25, wherein the upper and lower connectingmembers connect to the mat at substantially the same point.
 27. Atrampoline according to claim 3, including a safety net attached to themat at or adjacent its periphery and extending upwards towards saidbiasing means.
 28. A trampoline according to claim 27, wherein saidsafety net connects to said biasing means at or near their upper ends.29. A trampoline according to claim 27, wherein said safety net connectsto said upper connecting members towards their upper ends.
 30. Atrampoline according to claim 29, wherein the upper end of said safetynet is connected to a stabilising ring which in turn is flexibly andresiliently connected to said biasing means and/or said the upperconnecting members.
 31. A trampoline according to claim 30, wherein saidupper connecting members extend from said biasing means to said mat onthe outside of the safety net.
 32. A trampoline according to claim 31,wherein said upper connecting members pass through loops or sleevesprovided on the outside of the net to hold the net in place.
 33. Atrampoline according to claim 3, wherein said frame includes twovertically spaced apart horizontal tubular frame members extendingaround the mat with spaced apart hollow posts connected thereto with theupper one of said horizontal tubular frame members being substantiallywithin the ring of posts and engaging each post and the lower one ofsaid tubular frame members being substantially without the ring of postsand engaging each post.
 34. A trampoline according to claim 33, whereinsaid biasing means are long flexible and resilient poles and wherein thelower end portions of the poles are slidably mounted in the hollows ofthe posts.
 35. A trampoline according to claim 34, wherein said postslean outwards away from said mat. 36-43. (canceled)